Makita 5008MGA 8-1/4″ Magnesium Circular Saw Review

Design

If your aim is to increase productivity, magnesium parts in a circular saw are the way to go about it. Magnesium stabilizes the power tool while keeping the weight low and balanced. So for tough and demanding applications, the circular saw’s weight shouldn’t bother you.

Another benefit of using magnesium is proper grip and long-lasting accuracy. The Makita 5008MGA features a sturdy handle with more clearance between the handle and blade. The added space ensures smooth and fatigue-free accessibility.

Many users complain that the handle is either too small or there isn’t enough room between the handle and the blade guard to grip the handle properly. Makita solves that right away, it features a larger and effective grippy handle for large hands. Or for people who wear thick-skinned gloves.

The space between the handle and blade, and the rear handle itself is wide. This allows easy viewing toward the cutting line.

The Makita 5008MGA also includes a larger cutting capacity, electric brake, a blade wrench, dust blower, and LED lights. These are all exciting features that maximize the productivity of the power tool and offer exceptional ergonomics.

Ergonomic Features

Blessed are those who use a circular saw that’s heavy-duty and powerful but lightweight! And the Makita 5008MGA is one such blessed pick. It features a strong 15 amp industrial motor with a 5,200 RPM. And on the other hand, it weighs less than 11 lbs which makes difficult job site usage less exhausting and more productive and smooth.

The blade which measures 8-1/4-inch is wide and sturdy for intense applications. And it comes equipped with a protective blade guard. It minimizes premature wear and tear and ensures a smoother and comfortable grip and visibility for someone working in dim conditions.

For that, you will also benefit from the LED lights that improve the line of cut visibility. Makita has made full use of the space available on the sturdy magnesium footplate. Adding LED lights, a strong dust blower, and rubberized levers to maintain stability and improve ease of use.

On top of the powerful motor capacity and ergonomics, the electric brake keeps the blades from spinning out of control. The electronic brake guarantees continuous cutting without noise or vibration. Nor do you have to wait for 5-10 seconds for the blade to come to a complete halt.

With the electronic brake, it’s easy to keep the power tool steady and safe. And it also promotes better one-handed operation for long-term, continuous use.

Blade Quality

The blade of the Makita is one of the best you’ll find in circular saws. It improves the overall value of the beam saw with a stable and responsive blade.

The 8-1/4-inch blade is ideal for versatile tasks such as framing walls, floors, and roofs. It is used for a much wider range of materials such as lumber, LVL, microlams, plywood, boards, so much more.

The Makita 5008MGA stands to argue against the misconception that for different framing or bevel cutting jobs, you’ll need two separate power tools.

The 24-tooth blade features an enhanced cutting depth of 3-inches at 90-degrees. And it also features an impressive bevel capacity of 50-degrees with positive stops. So you can keep going back and forth and the Makita will handle it like a pro!

The scales on the footplate are larger and more noticeable than before. The LED lights and rubberized levers keep the power tool from ever becoming too bulky or inconvenient to use. Especially during intricate plunge or bevel or metal cutting!

Usability

To make it easier and better to use, the Makita features a strong dust blower. The dust-blowing mechanism keeps all unwanted dust and chips out of the cutting line. Coupled with the dual-LED lights, you have complete, illuminated access to the line of cut, maximizing accuracy and stabilizing your grip on the handle.

The large numbers on the footplate and the blade also provide a better and wider view of the cutting line.

Magnesium has a balanced weight as it is. There’s no intense kickback when you start the tool. And holding the saw with one hand is easier and smoother than ever. Unlike other circular saws, the blade’s weight won’t tip the circular saw over to one side. It’s centrally aligned and the rubberized parts reduce noise, vibration, and most importantly user fatigue.

Lastly, I also found the electric cord to be more conveniently designed. It doesn’t get in the way because it’s longer than standard cord lengths. It’s one of the most lightweight and convenient corded circular saw tools for daily use.